Wednesday, January 14— “The Guest House” – Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (جلالالدین محمد رومی)
“The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.”
One of my soul friends of many years emailed Rumi’s “Guest House” yesterday. When readers send poems, they create a place of stillness in me and sometimes change my plans for a given day’s post. So it is this morning.
Rumi’s poem creates a place alive with realism and laughter, grief and joy. Best to read this out loud with pauses.
john sj
p.s. I am flying across Lake Michigan this morning for a few days with my three sibs. I expect that I will post from my home town, Marinette, WI on Friday. Have a blest day.
Today’s Post “The Guest House”
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (جلالالدین محمد رومی)
Persian poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic 1207-1273.